December 12, 2003 -

"Marionettes are made for children and witty people."

- George Sand (transl.)

Ottawa, Ontario -- On Saturday, December 13 at 13:30 and Sunday, December 14 at 13:30 and 15:30, the National Arts Centre (NAC) French Theatre presents Un secret de Polichinelle, a puppet play by the Théâtre de l'Œil (which celebrates its 30th birthday this year). In a series of amusing little tales from the Théâtre de l'Œil's repertoire, this enchanting show will give you a behind-the-scenes look at puppetry. You'll meet a genial puppeteer who is ready to reveal the mysteries of his craft. Sitting in his workshop surrounded by puppets of all kinds, he will tell all… and better yet, show all! Some of his puppets aren't too keen about having all their secrets exposed, but together with his two puppeteer-assistants, your host will demonstrate how he creates a puppet, how he gives it a voice and a personality, and how he makes it move.

The three puppeteers will take you on an hour-long whirlwind tour of the world of puppets and marionettes. You'll learn about the different kinds of marionettes, and discover remarkable ways to engineer a snowstorm or turn a little girl into a pink elephant. You'll even meet a crowd of unlikely characters who may be hiding inside your own house!

The story of the Théâtre de l'Œil
Founded in Montreal in 1973, the Théâtre de l'Œil is devoted exclusively to the art of puppetry, but the company does far more than simply mount puppet shows. Each production is an opportunity to investigate, refine, and experiment with new ways to build and manipulate marionettes, and to develop scripts and sets custom-made for this unique medium. With its young audience always firmly in mind, the company displays its creative innovation in productions that are meaningful, entertaining, and accessible.

Now with 21 original productions to its credit, the Théâtre de l'Œil has performed across Canada and internationally: its well-travelled puppets have toured North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Tour stops have included the Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts in Seoul, Korea; the Théâtre des Marionnettes de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland; the New Victory Theater in New York City; and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The Théâtre de l'Œil has also been invited to perform at such major theatrical events as Marionnettissimo in France, the Nissay International Children's Festival in Japan, and the 18th International Puppet Theatre Festival (UNIMA 2000) in Germany.

The company's outstanding work and the creative innovation of its artistic team have garnered numerous awards. Their 19th original production, Le Porteur (The Star Keeper), by Richard Lacroix, André Laliberté and Richard Morin, received the 2001 Chalmers Award for Outstanding Canadian Play for Young Audiences, as well as three Masques (awards) from the Académie québécoise du theatre (including Best Production for Young Audiences) in 1999. In 1997, Zoë perd son temps, by Michelle Allen, received a Citation of Excellence in the Art of Puppetry at UNIMA-USA, and in 1990, Réjane Charpentier's Un Autre Monde won the prize for Best Production for Young Audiences awarded by the Association québécoise des critiques de theatre (Quebec theatre critics' association). All three plays were presented at the National Arts Centre. The company's repertoire also includes La Félicité, Le Jardin de Babel, Cœur à cœur, Qui a peur de Loulou?, Jules Tempête, Bonne fête Willy, and Regarde pour voir.

The Théâtre de l'Œil has also ventured into the challenging world of film. In 1988, the company collaborated on La Force du soleil, a 3-D movie produced by IMAX Corporation and Fujitsu Ltd.; and in 2001, several company members worked on Hugo et le Dragon, an Arico Film Communication production.

"It took the vast experience of the Théâtre de l'Œil, which has been bucketing around since 1973, to succeed not only in entertaining its young audience but in teaching them a few things about the art and history of puppets through the ages.… Un secret de Polichinelle is an irresistible show, and not just for children - because the key to the success of the Théâtre de l'Œil is that they manage to unveil the mysteries of puppetry without destroying any of the magic."

- Marie-Claude Fortin, Voir Montréal (transl.)

The National Arts Centre French Theatre gratefully acknowledges the support of CIMF Rock Détente.

Information:
Guy Warin, Communications Officer
National Arts Centre French Theatre
(613) 947-7000 or 1 866 850-2787, ext. 759
gwarin@nac-cna.ca